It does make me laugh a little how people seem to get caught up so much in Christmas, I have seen one part of it through working at ASDA, and especially caught up on December 25.
The world doesn't stop and a large number of people are still grafting on a day when most of us (me included) are sat around a tree unwrapping presents.
I got some and gave some "nice" things but I didn't ask for anything as I don't need anything. The latest versions of stuff don't interest me at the moment. If I have something and it works, why change? Although my possession of new technology is not scarce.
It could be argued that people deserve a day to be self-indulgent and focus on themselves and the new gifts they get as they are aware of the unpleasant things for the rest of time.
Christmas isn't recognised everywhere and foreign disasters have happened before towards the end of the year and in Pakistan again today a suicide bomber killing nearly 50 people.
Really though, December 25 is just like every other day and just because we are in our own cacoon's of gluttony, others are far from it. From the family coming together to the Christmas turkey, a routine is set and stuck to and everyone is caught up in the moment.
A lot of people wished me "Merry Christmas" but I am not a practicing Christian and many of the well-wishers aren't so what does it mean really and why do we give out and receive gifts on this day?
Basically, the point of this post is to spare a thought/moment for those who are not as lucky as ourselves and those who will always take bad memories away from this December 25.
It is unconfirmed as yet but it seems likely that the body of 25-year-old Joanna Yeates, the architect who went missing on December 17, has been found today. On a day when the majority of the population feels as they do, how must her parents/friends be feeling? I can only guess and I suppose there is still hope that it is not Ms Yeates, but that will only mean grief for another set of people.
A day we all associate with the trivialities of modern life will never ever be the same for the Yeates family and friends if the post-mortem finds the expected results. While we enjoy the day that will be remembered for all good, just remember they'll be a lot of people who will look back on this day and recall only sadness.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
music of 2010
It has been a good year for me in terms of music, especially discovering new bands/artists which would take wwaayy to much space to name them all here.
I also need to get around to buying a few albums, like Arcade Fire's latest "The Suburbs" and I haven't included albums that came out in 2009 but I bought this year. Such as 30 Seconds to Mars and Paramore.
Anyways, below is a selection of the CD's I have bought/received this year and how I rate them out of 10. One being the worst and 10 the best working through the year.
You me at Six - Hold me down.
Released in January this year it's the bands second studio album and I found it decent, especially the track "Underdog" but while it justified me spending the money on it, the album was not a classic and it was I probably won't listen to that often in the future. Verdict 6/10
Vampire Weekend - Contra.
Again a second album released in January and I got what I expected with Vampire Weekend, they are a little bit different and they are sticking to it so fair play. More of a summery sound and nice to listen to. "Cousins" and "Holiday" were probably the pick of my played tracks but don't beat "A-punk" and "Oxford Comma" of their first album. Verdict 7/10
Lost Prophets - The Betrayed.
A friend introduced me to this band a few years ago now and I especially liked their song "Rooftops" and while this album has a few gems "It's not the end of the world, but I can see it from here" and "Streets of nowhere" it's not a keeper from my point of view. I gave it a couple of listens and it might come out of the cupboard but for now it has been banished. Verdict 5/10
The Courteeners - Falcon
Band from where I am from and top draw sound. First heard of them through "Not 19 forever" and loved this album. Track 3 and 4 ("Cross my Heart and learn to fly" and "You overdid it doll") were the picks but definitely an album to buy if you haven't got it already. 12 tracks and while one or two are skippable the rest are just what I wanted to hear. Verdict 9/10
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
I like Gorillaz, their sound and the whole idea behind it all but maybe, just maybe, it has ran its course now. In the early days it was great to listen to but now, or at least this album, didn't get me overly excited and this has been put aside in favour of the 2005 album "Demon Days". Verdict 5/10
Linkin Park - A thousand Suns
Ahh take it away, take it away! A different direction is one thing but this was horrible, absolutely nothing positive to say from my point of view about this album. I hope they go back to their older stuff in the future which was pretty good from my viewpoint. Verdict: can I go lower than 0/10. No? Well, I'll be generous and give it 2/10. Someone, somewhere must have liked it . . .
Kings of Leon - Come around sundown
After such a good album last time around I always felt it was going to be hard to top it or even match it for KoL. And so it proved because although this album is ok and has its moments "Only by the night", their previous album is my pick if you want a bit of Kings of Leon. Not easy to give a verdict for this when I'm comparing it to something I loved last time but... Verdict 7/10
Dirt River Radio - Beer Bottle Poetry
A band I went to see in Australia a number of times. I have sort of cheated here as this was a 2009 album release in Australia and not seen anywhere except in my possession in the UK. And the verdict is so high as it reminds me of my time over there which is always going to bring back good memories, so the sound as well as the images it reminds me of accounts for the score!
They were unsigned which was hard to believe and still might be but with tracks like "All my Friends" and "The boys in the public bar" this is what music should be. Pure good sound without commerical influences. Verdict 10/10
I also need to get around to buying a few albums, like Arcade Fire's latest "The Suburbs" and I haven't included albums that came out in 2009 but I bought this year. Such as 30 Seconds to Mars and Paramore.
Anyways, below is a selection of the CD's I have bought/received this year and how I rate them out of 10. One being the worst and 10 the best working through the year.
You me at Six - Hold me down.
Released in January this year it's the bands second studio album and I found it decent, especially the track "Underdog" but while it justified me spending the money on it, the album was not a classic and it was I probably won't listen to that often in the future. Verdict 6/10
Vampire Weekend - Contra.
Again a second album released in January and I got what I expected with Vampire Weekend, they are a little bit different and they are sticking to it so fair play. More of a summery sound and nice to listen to. "Cousins" and "Holiday" were probably the pick of my played tracks but don't beat "A-punk" and "Oxford Comma" of their first album. Verdict 7/10
Lost Prophets - The Betrayed.
A friend introduced me to this band a few years ago now and I especially liked their song "Rooftops" and while this album has a few gems "It's not the end of the world, but I can see it from here" and "Streets of nowhere" it's not a keeper from my point of view. I gave it a couple of listens and it might come out of the cupboard but for now it has been banished. Verdict 5/10
The Courteeners - Falcon
Band from where I am from and top draw sound. First heard of them through "Not 19 forever" and loved this album. Track 3 and 4 ("Cross my Heart and learn to fly" and "You overdid it doll") were the picks but definitely an album to buy if you haven't got it already. 12 tracks and while one or two are skippable the rest are just what I wanted to hear. Verdict 9/10
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
I like Gorillaz, their sound and the whole idea behind it all but maybe, just maybe, it has ran its course now. In the early days it was great to listen to but now, or at least this album, didn't get me overly excited and this has been put aside in favour of the 2005 album "Demon Days". Verdict 5/10
Linkin Park - A thousand Suns
Ahh take it away, take it away! A different direction is one thing but this was horrible, absolutely nothing positive to say from my point of view about this album. I hope they go back to their older stuff in the future which was pretty good from my viewpoint. Verdict: can I go lower than 0/10. No? Well, I'll be generous and give it 2/10. Someone, somewhere must have liked it . . .
Kings of Leon - Come around sundown
After such a good album last time around I always felt it was going to be hard to top it or even match it for KoL. And so it proved because although this album is ok and has its moments "Only by the night", their previous album is my pick if you want a bit of Kings of Leon. Not easy to give a verdict for this when I'm comparing it to something I loved last time but... Verdict 7/10
Dirt River Radio - Beer Bottle Poetry
A band I went to see in Australia a number of times. I have sort of cheated here as this was a 2009 album release in Australia and not seen anywhere except in my possession in the UK. And the verdict is so high as it reminds me of my time over there which is always going to bring back good memories, so the sound as well as the images it reminds me of accounts for the score!
They were unsigned which was hard to believe and still might be but with tracks like "All my Friends" and "The boys in the public bar" this is what music should be. Pure good sound without commerical influences. Verdict 10/10
Thursday, December 02, 2010
No World Cup Yet
The slightly good thing about being ill, not working Monday to Friday and being snowed in enough to make you not want to go out is good old Television and, more to the point, the announcement of the FIFA World Cup hosts for 2018 and 2022.
I was flicking on and off the coverage from EuroSport, SkySports News and BBC 2 but wasn't really bothered about the announcement at 3:30pm today.
I've been trying to raise feelings for holding the Olympics and I'd nod and smile if you ask me if it's good but secretly I'm not too passionate either way.
Anyway, England were up against Russia, Spain and Portugal and Holland and Belgium. The Telegraph has how the voting went down, with England only getting two votes, meaning first round elimination - that's even worse than on the pitch ;)
And we had a lot of people over there to support us didn't we? Prince William, David Beckham, Boris Johnson, Alan Shearer, a whole host of other ministers and David Cameron (who flew to Zurich, back for PM's questions, then back to Zurich again...)
In the end, the winner was Russia. I am sure people will debate the politics, such as the Panorama programme / Sunday Times and the legitimacy of FIFA officials but what's done is done and after all this is only a game.
Sure, it would have done a lot for the host cities and surrounding economies but we have had it once, albeit in 1966, while Russia haven't. We may have the facilities already, give or take, and Russia may not but that seems to be the way the FIFA members are voting doesn't it?
The last World Cup in South Africa, the next in Brazil (if they can get it ready in time) and 2018 in Russia.
Now, onto where I spent a majority of 2009. Australia. They were bidding for the 2022 World Cup with United States, Qatar, Japan and South Korea.
I think countries that have already held the World Cup in recent history should be out if other contenders are not absolutely hapless. So bye bye USA and Japan and South Korea. (Even if 2002 was a joint bid that still counts in my tinted glasses).
But Australia were eliminated in the first round with ONE VOTE as Qatar won the right to host the 2022 tournament. I can get my head around England being unsuccessful, but Australia losing out to Qatar?! And USA just missing out, poor that.
I know next to nothing about Qatar, except it will be the first Middle East country to host a World Cup, so don't rely on my opinions here read some of the potential problems and solutions in this BBC report or in this opinion piece of Duncan White's from the Telegraph.
Let's see how it matches up from what I have read about Qatar to seen in Australia.
1) Facilities - Plenty of time for this to be changed but Australia gets this round currently. Qatar say they will spend £4bn on facilities, including nine new stadiums. Australia has (off the top of my head) Etihad stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, MCG, SCG, WACA and the Gabba.
2) Temperature - We saw in South Africa when it was a bit toasty how slow the game was and (ultimately) boring for us spectators. Qatar can reach 50 degrees around the time the games will be held- I spent a short time in 40 degrees which was hot enough! But it is more Spring coming into summer in the land Down Under. Qatar say stadiums will be climate-controlled - I'll sit on the fence to see how that works.
3) Influx of people - Football fans going to the Middle East. Maybe a bit of paranoia but in a relatively closed Islamic nation? You can do your own adding up on that one. Australia hosts the Ashes and has had the Olympics which is closer than Qatar has come to this level of foreigners invading for a month or so.
Things like hotels and transport can be done in the 12 years they have so there is no point picking straws on those topics. It is good to see countries getting a chance, South Africa pulled it off but whether Brazil, Russia and Qatar will remains to be seen.
So, my two favoured countries have missed out. I'm not going to sulk as it's only a game and all those non-footy heads in England and Australia will be delighted as the media coverage would have been everywhere all the time, so they get to relax for at least a few more years.
In summary, with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2010 in South Africa and after England got 100 per cent from a report by management consultants McKinsey given to FIFA, it wasn't the best technical bid they were after. It was either the noble thing of giving other countries and continents a chance or giving their pockets a payday.
I was flicking on and off the coverage from EuroSport, SkySports News and BBC 2 but wasn't really bothered about the announcement at 3:30pm today.
I've been trying to raise feelings for holding the Olympics and I'd nod and smile if you ask me if it's good but secretly I'm not too passionate either way.
Anyway, England were up against Russia, Spain and Portugal and Holland and Belgium. The Telegraph has how the voting went down, with England only getting two votes, meaning first round elimination - that's even worse than on the pitch ;)
And we had a lot of people over there to support us didn't we? Prince William, David Beckham, Boris Johnson, Alan Shearer, a whole host of other ministers and David Cameron (who flew to Zurich, back for PM's questions, then back to Zurich again...)
In the end, the winner was Russia. I am sure people will debate the politics, such as the Panorama programme / Sunday Times and the legitimacy of FIFA officials but what's done is done and after all this is only a game.
Sure, it would have done a lot for the host cities and surrounding economies but we have had it once, albeit in 1966, while Russia haven't. We may have the facilities already, give or take, and Russia may not but that seems to be the way the FIFA members are voting doesn't it?
The last World Cup in South Africa, the next in Brazil (if they can get it ready in time) and 2018 in Russia.
Now, onto where I spent a majority of 2009. Australia. They were bidding for the 2022 World Cup with United States, Qatar, Japan and South Korea.
I think countries that have already held the World Cup in recent history should be out if other contenders are not absolutely hapless. So bye bye USA and Japan and South Korea. (Even if 2002 was a joint bid that still counts in my tinted glasses).
But Australia were eliminated in the first round with ONE VOTE as Qatar won the right to host the 2022 tournament. I can get my head around England being unsuccessful, but Australia losing out to Qatar?! And USA just missing out, poor that.
I know next to nothing about Qatar, except it will be the first Middle East country to host a World Cup, so don't rely on my opinions here read some of the potential problems and solutions in this BBC report or in this opinion piece of Duncan White's from the Telegraph.
Let's see how it matches up from what I have read about Qatar to seen in Australia.
1) Facilities - Plenty of time for this to be changed but Australia gets this round currently. Qatar say they will spend £4bn on facilities, including nine new stadiums. Australia has (off the top of my head) Etihad stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, MCG, SCG, WACA and the Gabba.
2) Temperature - We saw in South Africa when it was a bit toasty how slow the game was and (ultimately) boring for us spectators. Qatar can reach 50 degrees around the time the games will be held- I spent a short time in 40 degrees which was hot enough! But it is more Spring coming into summer in the land Down Under. Qatar say stadiums will be climate-controlled - I'll sit on the fence to see how that works.
3) Influx of people - Football fans going to the Middle East. Maybe a bit of paranoia but in a relatively closed Islamic nation? You can do your own adding up on that one. Australia hosts the Ashes and has had the Olympics which is closer than Qatar has come to this level of foreigners invading for a month or so.
Things like hotels and transport can be done in the 12 years they have so there is no point picking straws on those topics. It is good to see countries getting a chance, South Africa pulled it off but whether Brazil, Russia and Qatar will remains to be seen.
So, my two favoured countries have missed out. I'm not going to sulk as it's only a game and all those non-footy heads in England and Australia will be delighted as the media coverage would have been everywhere all the time, so they get to relax for at least a few more years.
In summary, with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2010 in South Africa and after England got 100 per cent from a report by management consultants McKinsey given to FIFA, it wasn't the best technical bid they were after. It was either the noble thing of giving other countries and continents a chance or giving their pockets a payday.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tweet Tweet! The sleepy have awoken
I am sure most of us have heard of instances were, mostly "famous" people have been caught out on Twitter by saying something they shouldn't have put in the public sphere.
If you don't know what Twitter is. It is basically a social networking site where anyone with Internet access can "tweet" about what they are doing and you can "follow" anyone from Katie Price to Stephen Fry to your mate down the road.
However, the below case is a little bit different than the usual employer fine, slap on the wrist and stern talking too before the comments are removed.
Paul Chambers, from Doncaster, sent a particular tweet on January 6 this year threatening to blow up Robin Hood Airport.
He claims it was sent as a joke in a moment of frustration as the airport was closed due to the snow and he was due to catch a flight in the next couple of days.
But, in May, he was found guilty of sending a menacing electronic communication at Doncaster Magistrates' Court.
From the Press Association report:
He tried to clear his name but earlier this month his appeal was rejected by Doncaster Crown Court. So he has decided to appeal to the High Court at a date that has not yet been set.
Moving away from that specific case, it does through up some interesting arguments doesn't it?
How many of us have at some point posted something potentially bordering on the legal line, using either Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Bebo or whatever.
While we don't want to / wouldn't be able to stifle free speech online there has to be a line somewhere doesn't there?
But where that line is, I wouldn't like to say. The Raoul Moat Facebook group that was set up, seemed to cross it for some people but not others and that is the problem. We all have different perceptions of what is "too far" and the comments on this blog show.
How and who judges on what is posted in jest and what is a serious threat as only the person who wrote it will know.
If you don't know what Twitter is. It is basically a social networking site where anyone with Internet access can "tweet" about what they are doing and you can "follow" anyone from Katie Price to Stephen Fry to your mate down the road.
However, the below case is a little bit different than the usual employer fine, slap on the wrist and stern talking too before the comments are removed.
Paul Chambers, from Doncaster, sent a particular tweet on January 6 this year threatening to blow up Robin Hood Airport.
He claims it was sent as a joke in a moment of frustration as the airport was closed due to the snow and he was due to catch a flight in the next couple of days.
But, in May, he was found guilty of sending a menacing electronic communication at Doncaster Magistrates' Court.
From the Press Association report:
A district judge ruled the Tweet was "of a menacing nature in the context of the times in which we live", finding Chambers guilty under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003...
He tried to clear his name but earlier this month his appeal was rejected by Doncaster Crown Court. So he has decided to appeal to the High Court at a date that has not yet been set.
Moving away from that specific case, it does through up some interesting arguments doesn't it?
How many of us have at some point posted something potentially bordering on the legal line, using either Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Bebo or whatever.
While we don't want to / wouldn't be able to stifle free speech online there has to be a line somewhere doesn't there?
But where that line is, I wouldn't like to say. The Raoul Moat Facebook group that was set up, seemed to cross it for some people but not others and that is the problem. We all have different perceptions of what is "too far" and the comments on this blog show.
How and who judges on what is posted in jest and what is a serious threat as only the person who wrote it will know.
Monday, November 15, 2010
1,001 rejections
"Your application was excellent but due to the amount of applications we have had, we regret to inform you we will not be taking your application any further."
If I here the above one more time I think I may spontaneously combust! Been rejected from a lot of newspaper, radio and even TV jobs. But so far I keep on plugging away . . .
I have voluntary hospital radio experience, work ex placements on radio, my own radio show at Uni for three years. Work ex placements on newspapers and an actual job in Australia on a paper for nearly eight months!
The whole employer wants experience but you can only get experience by being employed cycle.
Went for an interview a month or so ago now in Blackburn, got my rejection letter on November 1 - great start to the month. Hmm.
As I type I am waiting to hear back from a job in Scunthorpe - so virtually fingers and legs crossed please.
If I don't get the Scunny job I have mapped out (roughly) want I plan to do in the future.
Continue working at Asda - I am pretty much full time there at the moment and doubt that will change in the run up to Xmas and continue writing for Bleacher Report.
Sometime early next year go on a holiday, as I haven't had a meaningful break since Australia, so feel I deserve one ;)
I will keep looking for trainee journalism jobs but if no luck, I think I'm going back to a Uni to do a postgrad and strenghten my skills again. Hopefully pass the PA module I got a D in and work my shorthand back up to 100WAM.
This plan is not set in stone as you never know what life throws at you but I think it is the path I will take if I get my 1,002 rejection.
If I here the above one more time I think I may spontaneously combust! Been rejected from a lot of newspaper, radio and even TV jobs. But so far I keep on plugging away . . .
I have voluntary hospital radio experience, work ex placements on radio, my own radio show at Uni for three years. Work ex placements on newspapers and an actual job in Australia on a paper for nearly eight months!
The whole employer wants experience but you can only get experience by being employed cycle.
Went for an interview a month or so ago now in Blackburn, got my rejection letter on November 1 - great start to the month. Hmm.
As I type I am waiting to hear back from a job in Scunthorpe - so virtually fingers and legs crossed please.
If I don't get the Scunny job I have mapped out (roughly) want I plan to do in the future.
Continue working at Asda - I am pretty much full time there at the moment and doubt that will change in the run up to Xmas and continue writing for Bleacher Report.
Sometime early next year go on a holiday, as I haven't had a meaningful break since Australia, so feel I deserve one ;)
I will keep looking for trainee journalism jobs but if no luck, I think I'm going back to a Uni to do a postgrad and strenghten my skills again. Hopefully pass the PA module I got a D in and work my shorthand back up to 100WAM.
This plan is not set in stone as you never know what life throws at you but I think it is the path I will take if I get my 1,002 rejection.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
koRn
Supported by Rise to Remain and Turbowolf at Manchester Apollo it was a pretty cool gig. UPDATED Have this guy to thank for giving me the name of Kid Knuckles, as before koRn came on, he did a little set with was more than a little good including Drowing Pool, System of a Down and Rammstein. If you click the link above you'll also see the set list koRn performed - I recognised most, including the likes of : "Right Now", "Coming Undone", "Hear to Stay" and "Falling away from me" = all the classics with a few new ones was a good mix. 
The perfect tonic after working all Sunday and to get me up for the week ahead and I bought a tour t-shirt so I'm all happy. Overall, it was an epic gig, Rise to Remain were decent but I didn't think Turbowolf where that good but each to their own and live music is different from the studio - and they didn't sound dreadful. Not sure who I'll see next but live music is certainly in my future :)
The perfect tonic after working all Sunday and to get me up for the week ahead and I bought a tour t-shirt so I'm all happy. Overall, it was an epic gig, Rise to Remain were decent but I didn't think Turbowolf where that good but each to their own and live music is different from the studio - and they didn't sound dreadful. Not sure who I'll see next but live music is certainly in my future :)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Notts are county champions
Not sure this was a great advert for cricket or not.
At least it came down to the last day and last session of play, although that was largely down to the rain as Day 1, 2 and 3 were mostly washed out in Manchester.
I was working day 1 and 3 but was all ready to go on day 2 until I looked outside and saw it raining and thanks to Sky Sports it was confirmed there was no point in my travelling all that way for hardly any play.
Got to feel for Somerset, lost out on all fronts - very harsh but a reflection on the game and all sports.
Lancashire fell away in the final few games and it wasn't great how they collapsed batting-wise after some decent bowling but Notts had a title to play for while the home side only pride I suppose.
Another county cricket season done and most of it won't be at Old Trafford next season as they switch the square around and refurbish to become a mainstay in the Test arena.
At the end of a long hard season, most of which I have enjoyed watching, all that's left is to look forward to the Ashes down under!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Save...oh no wait...It's in!
I'm very glad we don't have this guy in net for us on our 7-a-side team.
Football might not be for everyone but moments like this remind me why I love it sometimes!
The match is a Moroccan cup game between FAR Rabat and Moghreb Fes, the latter qualified for the quarter-final.
A penalty is taken and you'll have to watch the video to see what happens next...sounds like Question Of Sport ;)
Football might not be for everyone but moments like this remind me why I love it sometimes!
The match is a Moroccan cup game between FAR Rabat and Moghreb Fes, the latter qualified for the quarter-final.
A penalty is taken and you'll have to watch the video to see what happens next...sounds like Question Of Sport ;)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Cat Litter
I'm sure those who watch/listen to any news station (even in Australia!) will know this is a post relating to that woman in Coventry who put a cat in a wheelie-bin.
The woman has been named and shamed as 50 year-old Mary Bale and as ever facebook is involved.
The owners of the poor four-year-old feline posted on Facebook to identify her, a group arose and shame nasty comments posted before group was closed and here we are.
As I am at home most of the time now I regularly watch BBC News 24 and just before the 3pm bulletin, a unnamed BBC newsreader made a joke something along the lines of: "There's an example of cat litter then" - referring to the cat being put in the bin.
Realising what they have said, instead of just thought like most of us, and where they said it they apologised immediately for any offence but the moment had passed and it brought to the front the stories real news value.
Brought a smile to my face anyway and the newsreader recovered in time to read the headline of the same story moments later - wonder how many complaints (if any) the BBC did actually get?
Got to say it was a cruel thing to do, but she was a shade unlucky to be filmed doing it and it is NOT the worst thing in the world.
I'm sure we'll in here in time her reasons, if there are any other than it was a joke, but she'll definitely think twice before doing anything like this again.
However, it is news as it is quirky and original and a nice soft scoop to fill out a bit of air time so well done on being thrust into the media circle's spotlight, ma'am.
Just leave you with some comments from a guy called Frank Davis, found this while searching around for this piece of "news" so enjoy.
The woman has been named and shamed as 50 year-old Mary Bale and as ever facebook is involved.
The owners of the poor four-year-old feline posted on Facebook to identify her, a group arose and shame nasty comments posted before group was closed and here we are.
As I am at home most of the time now I regularly watch BBC News 24 and just before the 3pm bulletin, a unnamed BBC newsreader made a joke something along the lines of: "There's an example of cat litter then" - referring to the cat being put in the bin.
Realising what they have said, instead of just thought like most of us, and where they said it they apologised immediately for any offence but the moment had passed and it brought to the front the stories real news value.
Brought a smile to my face anyway and the newsreader recovered in time to read the headline of the same story moments later - wonder how many complaints (if any) the BBC did actually get?
Got to say it was a cruel thing to do, but she was a shade unlucky to be filmed doing it and it is NOT the worst thing in the world.
I'm sure we'll in here in time her reasons, if there are any other than it was a joke, but she'll definitely think twice before doing anything like this again.
However, it is news as it is quirky and original and a nice soft scoop to fill out a bit of air time so well done on being thrust into the media circle's spotlight, ma'am.
Just leave you with some comments from a guy called Frank Davis, found this while searching around for this piece of "news" so enjoy.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
A to Z level
A Level results are out today ladies and gents and good news, the pass rate has gone up (again, I hear you shout?!)
Apparently the exam system was toughened up, whatever that means, yet one in 12 still got the new A* star grade and the overall pass rate was 97.6%.
Pro A-Levellers will be wowing about how good this generation is demonstrated by the wonderful results.
Anti A-Levellers will be moaning how grades have got easier and students don't need to work as hard as they did back in "their day."
The question remains : exams getting easier or students getting better?
The more a subject is taught new methods are learnt and developments made in the way it is taught are made so with each year it is understandable how grades go up.
Exams should be hard, and I know mine were, but they need to provide solid foundations.
660,000 (sounds better like this : Six hundred and sixty thousand) people applied for university this year despite tuition fees and more and more graduates not being able to put their degrees to good use.
Personally, I was your average student. The Average Joe, if you will.
It was not for want of effort - I tried and studied much harder than I did for most of my days at university but I wasn't "gifted" by any stretch.
I just want to extend my sympathies for those who didn't get their results they needed and now might have to go through clearing or miss out on university altogether.
I achieved a C in Media, C in ICT and D in English Language - despite one of my English exams papers being used as the perfect mock answer for future students...
Also, on the day to add to all the stress, anxiety and nerves a certain exam board got my result wrong by missing out one of my modules but I digress.
I got home scared sh*tless I wouldn't get into university and on the phone to UCLan to see whether they would still take me, but luckily I was allowed on board for the three year cruise.
But here I am now, after my degree, numerous job placements and media volunteering, a job as a journalist in Melbourne and I am still without the career I think I still want.
My point is, keep your chin up if it hasn't worked out today amongst all the "clever clogs" and utter gloaters - just pass them by and move on.
If you haven't got your first choice course hopefully you'll get some other of your choices. If not, other courses and applying again next year with work experience, a part-time course completed in the gap could be beneficial.
Otherwise, do what a few people I know have done - sod it all and go travelling :) Your young go and bloody enjoy yourself!
Apparently the exam system was toughened up, whatever that means, yet one in 12 still got the new A* star grade and the overall pass rate was 97.6%.
Pro A-Levellers will be wowing about how good this generation is demonstrated by the wonderful results.
Anti A-Levellers will be moaning how grades have got easier and students don't need to work as hard as they did back in "their day."
The question remains : exams getting easier or students getting better?
The more a subject is taught new methods are learnt and developments made in the way it is taught are made so with each year it is understandable how grades go up.
Exams should be hard, and I know mine were, but they need to provide solid foundations.
660,000 (sounds better like this : Six hundred and sixty thousand) people applied for university this year despite tuition fees and more and more graduates not being able to put their degrees to good use.
Personally, I was your average student. The Average Joe, if you will.
It was not for want of effort - I tried and studied much harder than I did for most of my days at university but I wasn't "gifted" by any stretch.
I just want to extend my sympathies for those who didn't get their results they needed and now might have to go through clearing or miss out on university altogether.
I achieved a C in Media, C in ICT and D in English Language - despite one of my English exams papers being used as the perfect mock answer for future students...
Also, on the day to add to all the stress, anxiety and nerves a certain exam board got my result wrong by missing out one of my modules but I digress.
I got home scared sh*tless I wouldn't get into university and on the phone to UCLan to see whether they would still take me, but luckily I was allowed on board for the three year cruise.
But here I am now, after my degree, numerous job placements and media volunteering, a job as a journalist in Melbourne and I am still without the career I think I still want.
My point is, keep your chin up if it hasn't worked out today amongst all the "clever clogs" and utter gloaters - just pass them by and move on.
If you haven't got your first choice course hopefully you'll get some other of your choices. If not, other courses and applying again next year with work experience, a part-time course completed in the gap could be beneficial.
Otherwise, do what a few people I know have done - sod it all and go travelling :) Your young go and bloody enjoy yourself!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Looking outside of the box
With 24 hour news, Sky Anytime, the Internet, I-Pad's and god knows what else now available it's not surprising more and more "ordinary" people are being sought out for a story.
This is what local rags and stations do everyday but the nationals seem to love a local story a little more than they used to and why not?
Latest in a long (and no doubt continuous) line is this little fella. Blackpool fan Kian Kelly celebrating like a kid should as his team battered Wigan 4-0 in their first Premier League game.
Not sure what annoys me about this but something does. After all, it's a GOOD news story : a kid celebrating, Blackpool winning their first game and no invasion into privacy after the event...ahh...There it is.
Ok, he's in a public place and I'm guessing his family and the club are loving this extra branch of public relations but why does everyone feel the need to plaster this all over the TV and papers?
I don't have a problem with this in principle, extra time to fill... meet extra time filler, I suppose it's the road it COULD lead down - i.e. some of the coverage of Raoul Moat which was likened to a "witchhunt".
The Blackpool kid example may well be a bad one. How about Gillian Duffy, Rochdale and Gordon Brown ....
... there you go, knew you'd remember ;)
I maintain Gordon Brown, even though I wasn't going to vote for Labour anyways, was a bit unlucky in this event.
I'm sure all politicians after a taxing debate let off a bit of steam but things were not safe for Mr Brown and that was the final nail in the coffin.
Anyways, back to my point: the media were camped outside her house for days with so many outlets looking to source her in their copy.
One minute you are an ordinary person - no-one knows (or cares) who you are, the next everyman and their dog (or should I say camera/recording device) are at your front door and back door.
That can be done because technology is so great now, there are so many platforms too fill extra content is needed to keep audiences interested and competition is fierce.
People who consume these media need to be aware that it could be them on the other end of it one day and if you put yourself out there you may need to deal with the consequences for a couple of days at least.
The good thing in all of this melee is "average" people do seem to be getting their input broadcast but whether I really want to know is another subject completely.
This is what local rags and stations do everyday but the nationals seem to love a local story a little more than they used to and why not?
Latest in a long (and no doubt continuous) line is this little fella. Blackpool fan Kian Kelly celebrating like a kid should as his team battered Wigan 4-0 in their first Premier League game.
Not sure what annoys me about this but something does. After all, it's a GOOD news story : a kid celebrating, Blackpool winning their first game and no invasion into privacy after the event...ahh...There it is.
Ok, he's in a public place and I'm guessing his family and the club are loving this extra branch of public relations but why does everyone feel the need to plaster this all over the TV and papers?
I don't have a problem with this in principle, extra time to fill... meet extra time filler, I suppose it's the road it COULD lead down - i.e. some of the coverage of Raoul Moat which was likened to a "witchhunt".
The Blackpool kid example may well be a bad one. How about Gillian Duffy, Rochdale and Gordon Brown ....
... there you go, knew you'd remember ;)
I maintain Gordon Brown, even though I wasn't going to vote for Labour anyways, was a bit unlucky in this event.
I'm sure all politicians after a taxing debate let off a bit of steam but things were not safe for Mr Brown and that was the final nail in the coffin.
Anyways, back to my point: the media were camped outside her house for days with so many outlets looking to source her in their copy.
One minute you are an ordinary person - no-one knows (or cares) who you are, the next everyman and their dog (or should I say camera/recording device) are at your front door and back door.
That can be done because technology is so great now, there are so many platforms too fill extra content is needed to keep audiences interested and competition is fierce.
People who consume these media need to be aware that it could be them on the other end of it one day and if you put yourself out there you may need to deal with the consequences for a couple of days at least.
The good thing in all of this melee is "average" people do seem to be getting their input broadcast but whether I really want to know is another subject completely.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Maybe I picked the wrong degree course?
I don't think I did, at least I hope I didn't, but I can't help being fascinated by people's mindsets when they do something tragic.
Maybe that is why I got into journalism, as well as the different thing everyday and learning a little about a lot.
There have been a few things on the news recently leading me to asking questions key to journalism - the why, where, when, what, who and how etc questions.
First is the French mother, Dominique Cottrez, who admitted killing 10 of her babies but has two surviving children at 22 and 21 years old.
What causes people to turn/lose "it"? Whatever "it" is. To hide the pregnancies and bury the children in black bin liners in the garden after strangling them sounds like a horror movie.
The husband says he didn't know behind the bulk of the large woman, makes an added twist.
But for large periods of time this woman was as average of any of us, but at some point the boundaries became blurred - possibly after having a difficult delivery with one of her surviving kids.
Another case is that of Andrew Case who killed his wife, two daughters and then hung himself.
It seems to be mainly due to financial problems but for someone to kill his wife and two kids, something isn't quite right.
My main point is that there are stories like this almost everyday. They are people you walk past doing your shopping, when out at night etc.
People who for decades have conformed to society and progressed with life as the template tells us to but for some reason they became prone to a moment of madness and that's all it takes for everything previous to be wiped out.
Most don't look any different, act any different, they have social contact, jobs, families and live every day, apart from that tragic day, as normally as the rest of us.
Little worrying is it not? What tips said person over the edge and causes them to act in the way they do?
Never know, it might be one of us "standard" people in years to come....crazy.
Maybe that is why I got into journalism, as well as the different thing everyday and learning a little about a lot.
There have been a few things on the news recently leading me to asking questions key to journalism - the why, where, when, what, who and how etc questions.
First is the French mother, Dominique Cottrez, who admitted killing 10 of her babies but has two surviving children at 22 and 21 years old.
What causes people to turn/lose "it"? Whatever "it" is. To hide the pregnancies and bury the children in black bin liners in the garden after strangling them sounds like a horror movie.
The husband says he didn't know behind the bulk of the large woman, makes an added twist.
But for large periods of time this woman was as average of any of us, but at some point the boundaries became blurred - possibly after having a difficult delivery with one of her surviving kids.
Another case is that of Andrew Case who killed his wife, two daughters and then hung himself.
It seems to be mainly due to financial problems but for someone to kill his wife and two kids, something isn't quite right.
My main point is that there are stories like this almost everyday. They are people you walk past doing your shopping, when out at night etc.
People who for decades have conformed to society and progressed with life as the template tells us to but for some reason they became prone to a moment of madness and that's all it takes for everything previous to be wiped out.
Most don't look any different, act any different, they have social contact, jobs, families and live every day, apart from that tragic day, as normally as the rest of us.
Little worrying is it not? What tips said person over the edge and causes them to act in the way they do?
Never know, it might be one of us "standard" people in years to come....crazy.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A Tastier Destiny Awaits
I'm sure you've seen that Rice Krispie Squares advert? Geordie Bob saying: "Joe used to work in the frozen section, then he just left saying a tastier destiny awaits."
Well that was so nearly me. Except I work in the chilled section, not frozen.
I had a place to live, financial support, a job and connections in Melbourne, Australia.
However, recent visa changes have stopped me getting a visa and going to Australia and taking up my dream job, it was confirmed today.
The skilled migration criteria has changed and I am now not eligible due to my qualifications and career choice not being on a skilled occupation list (SOL).
I am devastated and feel it is a little unfair considering I had all the other things in place but that's just life isn't it?
At least the ad cheered me up a bit. I have no idea what my next step, if anything, is from here. Too carry on applying for journo jobs after so many rejections or is it just not meant to be?
Well that was so nearly me. Except I work in the chilled section, not frozen.
I had a place to live, financial support, a job and connections in Melbourne, Australia.
However, recent visa changes have stopped me getting a visa and going to Australia and taking up my dream job, it was confirmed today.
The skilled migration criteria has changed and I am now not eligible due to my qualifications and career choice not being on a skilled occupation list (SOL).
I am devastated and feel it is a little unfair considering I had all the other things in place but that's just life isn't it?
At least the ad cheered me up a bit. I have no idea what my next step, if anything, is from here. Too carry on applying for journo jobs after so many rejections or is it just not meant to be?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Eng V Aus ODI
Well at least England won something today. They wrapped up the One Day International series against Australia 3-0 with two games to go by one wicket to keep alive dreams of a whitewash.
They looked to be cruising after bowling the Aussies out for 212 at Old Trafford, despite the green and gold being 75-0 and 130-2. Shane Watson top scored with 61 and local lad Jimmy Anderson took 3-22.
Me and my dad went to Old Trafford as my belated Birthday present and I have never seen the place so packed, even after the football started, not many fans left. We sat in the temporary stands!
England's run chase was held together by Strauss and Collingwood but in the end it went into the final over and Tim Bresnan scored the winning runs. Never have I heard such a cheer for a Yorkshireman!
England should have wrapped it up earlier and easier but at least they got the job done as I don't think many of the crowd would have been able to take two defeats by our fierciest rivals in two different sports on the same day.
As for what happened in the footy, I don't know what to say.
Yes we were harshly done by for that goal that never was but we didn't deserve to go through. Average against the USA, dreadful against Algeria and decent against Slovenia saw us scrape through the group in second place.
We can dream about what "might" have happened if we had finished first but we didn't so suck it up!
Germany outclassed us and while 4-1 might have been a shade harsh they deserved to meet Argentina in the quarter-finals.
On the Argentina note, their first goal against Mexico was offside (30 seconds in), not seen by the assistant and someone who probably no longer has a job put it on the big screen showing the assistant had made the wrong decision.
Mexico surronded the Uruguayian assistant as I would have done to in their position but the goal stood and on went Argentina to win 3-1.
Two big refereeing decisions crucially effected Mexico and England's World Cup hopes with both games in the balance at the time of these howlers.
Start the inquest now...
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Game, Set and (at bloody last!) Match
I watch Wimbledon but am not the biggest fan by I long stretch but the match between John Isner(USA) and Nicolas Mahut (France) certainly had me watching.
It came to its conclusion after 11 hours and five minutes or three days - almost the same length it took all the British women to be knocked out in Round One!
Isner winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68. Yep, as I thought when I read on the BBC's red button Wednesday and the score was 59-59 in the final set, this is a typo or some kind of joke but it wasn't.
2:30pm Thursday saw both men reappear infront of a packed Court 18 and here's how it went from there.
I like this from the Telegraph, what else was going on in the world at the time of the fifth set.
There are some crazy stats from that match as Howard Fendrich posts:
It came to its conclusion after 11 hours and five minutes or three days - almost the same length it took all the British women to be knocked out in Round One!
Isner winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68. Yep, as I thought when I read on the BBC's red button Wednesday and the score was 59-59 in the final set, this is a typo or some kind of joke but it wasn't.
2:30pm Thursday saw both men reappear infront of a packed Court 18 and here's how it went from there.
I like this from the Telegraph, what else was going on in the world at the time of the fifth set.
There are some crazy stats from that match as Howard Fendrich posts:
The fifth set alone...(lasted) more than 1 1/2 hours longer than any previous entire match on record.Just leave you with the thoughts of Charlotte James, who rightly says spare a thought for the people involved off the field.
They played 980 points, 711 in the fifth set. Isner hit 112 aces, and Mahut 103, both easily surpassing the previous single-match mark of 78
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Bumble the Romanticist
Not sure if you have been watching England V Bangladesh much, especially the Old Trafford Test, but there was one thing off the field that caught my attention.
Andrew Flintoff.
He is targeting a return in July/August for Lancashire's seconds and then firsts but due to obvious reasons hasn't set out an "x" date.
"Freddie" is 32 now and you would imagine hasn't got that much time, if any, left at international level and probably not that much even at Lancashire due to constant injuries, injections and operations.
He has not ruled out an international return with a chance being on the 2011 World Cup and he has talked about life after Cricket.
While the pundits were chatting they had this piece on Flintoff focussing on his academy but also his cricketing future and after the report his future was debated.
And David "Bumble" Lloyd suggested his return for Ashes cricket - "just patch him up for a couple of tests" - I think was his line.
Not everyone agrees that Flintoff will now even make it back into the England side and I can see why, we have just won the World Twenty20 and are doing pretty damn well at the moment.
And, technically, Fred has retired from Test Cricket but I remember the "old" Freddie who you could throw the ball to when all the rest where doing nothing and somehow, from somewhere he would do the job.
Currently, England have James Anderson as their main strike bowler - no qualms with that, Stuart Broad, a little inexperienced and unreliable but he's decent and then it's Tim Bresnan who did well in Bangladesh and Twenty20 but Australia's a different animal.
Ryan Sidebottom who seems to be fading injury wise but a useful option with his left arm seam, Steven Finn, a promising youngster but unproven at International level (except against Bangladesh), Shazhad only played 1 game so can't comment on and Harmison is still an option for experience and the bounce he gets.
It's a bit thin on the ground isn't it for proven wicket-takers?
If, just if, Flintoff can stay fit for a few games for Lancashire and do fairly well I would ask the question to the big man, if he wants to play Test Cricket in Aus one final time. It would lift the team, the county and strike fear into Aussie hearts.
I may be dreaming as a lot of signs point against this happening but I hope Freddie has one last crack, if his body can sustain it, at the Aussies at Test Match Level and improves our chances of hanging onto that urn.
Andrew Flintoff.
He is targeting a return in July/August for Lancashire's seconds and then firsts but due to obvious reasons hasn't set out an "x" date.
"Freddie" is 32 now and you would imagine hasn't got that much time, if any, left at international level and probably not that much even at Lancashire due to constant injuries, injections and operations.
He has not ruled out an international return with a chance being on the 2011 World Cup and he has talked about life after Cricket.
While the pundits were chatting they had this piece on Flintoff focussing on his academy but also his cricketing future and after the report his future was debated.
And David "Bumble" Lloyd suggested his return for Ashes cricket - "just patch him up for a couple of tests" - I think was his line.
Not everyone agrees that Flintoff will now even make it back into the England side and I can see why, we have just won the World Twenty20 and are doing pretty damn well at the moment.
And, technically, Fred has retired from Test Cricket but I remember the "old" Freddie who you could throw the ball to when all the rest where doing nothing and somehow, from somewhere he would do the job.
Currently, England have James Anderson as their main strike bowler - no qualms with that, Stuart Broad, a little inexperienced and unreliable but he's decent and then it's Tim Bresnan who did well in Bangladesh and Twenty20 but Australia's a different animal.
Ryan Sidebottom who seems to be fading injury wise but a useful option with his left arm seam, Steven Finn, a promising youngster but unproven at International level (except against Bangladesh), Shazhad only played 1 game so can't comment on and Harmison is still an option for experience and the bounce he gets.
It's a bit thin on the ground isn't it for proven wicket-takers?
If, just if, Flintoff can stay fit for a few games for Lancashire and do fairly well I would ask the question to the big man, if he wants to play Test Cricket in Aus one final time. It would lift the team, the county and strike fear into Aussie hearts.
I may be dreaming as a lot of signs point against this happening but I hope Freddie has one last crack, if his body can sustain it, at the Aussies at Test Match Level and improves our chances of hanging onto that urn.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Powderfinger and Bob Evans
I posted a little while back about me going too see an Aussie band at Manchester Academy 2 after they were delayed due to thee ash cloud. UPDATED Well, Thursday night was the night and below are some pics. First is the warm-up act Bob Evans from Perth and second are Powderfinger. Top night it was too and very glad I saw them before they split up. They play dates in the UK until June 8 then your only other chance to catch them is in Australia I believe, where they are doing a farewell tour with Jet. 
In other Australia music news, Dirt River Radio are set to fully release their first full length album entitled Beer Bottle Poetry which has been warmly recieved by some. I am very happy to hear it has the same tracks as the EP, which I have had playing a hell of a lot since I came back from Aus and having first seen these guys live. Hopefully my (sort of) Cousin can get me a copy as I can't wait!
In other Australia music news, Dirt River Radio are set to fully release their first full length album entitled Beer Bottle Poetry which has been warmly recieved by some. I am very happy to hear it has the same tracks as the EP, which I have had playing a hell of a lot since I came back from Aus and having first seen these guys live. Hopefully my (sort of) Cousin can get me a copy as I can't wait!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Two years since Uni
I cannot believe it. This coming summer it will be two years since I left university and got my journalism degree and where am I now? About £15k in debt and working at Asda....
I am sure it hasn't helped I got a 2:2 instead of a higher degree which I am forever kicking myself for, it wasn't like I partied too much but even my best efforts seemed to be only good enough for average.
I can't complain as I went to Australia in Feb 2009 with the hope of securing work alongside my holiday and it went better than anyone could have hoped. A seven month stint of casual work with Fairfax on the journal-titled newspapers was a dream come true.
I recently applied for a casual journalism position at Dandenong in Victoria but was rejected on the basis of me not being a citizen - totally understandable but still disappointing.
At the moment I am forever checking job websites and I have lost count of the amount I have put in for and, mostly, been rejected for. The few interviews I have had have resulted in nothing more than a "Thanks, but no thanks" kind of response.
The latest in a long line is a trainee journalist at the MEN, a place I had a week's work experience placement at back in 2007. However, I cannot even apply for this role as I don't have 100 WAM shorthand, I have 90!
It is a specific quesiton in the application process, not one I could bypass - I could lie but that's just wrong right?!
Being on the end of this that I am, I think it is unfair and harsh for that to be such a requirement to the role. My shorthand would get me by and I have plenty of other skills, such as my real journalism job in Australia and my many work experience placements in and around the area.
Not that I would be 100 per cent for the job anyways but to be ruled out by such a small margin is a bit of a sickener. I can understand Shorthand skills being essential but such an abrupt line has to be considered a bit naive in ignoring all the other skills candidates could bring to the role.
Oh well, I'll keep working at Asda and applying for journalism jobs as I see them or I may just think sod it and apply anyways! I wouldn't be the first or last to "not disclose the whole truth" on an application form.
I am sure it hasn't helped I got a 2:2 instead of a higher degree which I am forever kicking myself for, it wasn't like I partied too much but even my best efforts seemed to be only good enough for average.
I can't complain as I went to Australia in Feb 2009 with the hope of securing work alongside my holiday and it went better than anyone could have hoped. A seven month stint of casual work with Fairfax on the journal-titled newspapers was a dream come true.
I recently applied for a casual journalism position at Dandenong in Victoria but was rejected on the basis of me not being a citizen - totally understandable but still disappointing.
At the moment I am forever checking job websites and I have lost count of the amount I have put in for and, mostly, been rejected for. The few interviews I have had have resulted in nothing more than a "Thanks, but no thanks" kind of response.
The latest in a long line is a trainee journalist at the MEN, a place I had a week's work experience placement at back in 2007. However, I cannot even apply for this role as I don't have 100 WAM shorthand, I have 90!
It is a specific quesiton in the application process, not one I could bypass - I could lie but that's just wrong right?!
Being on the end of this that I am, I think it is unfair and harsh for that to be such a requirement to the role. My shorthand would get me by and I have plenty of other skills, such as my real journalism job in Australia and my many work experience placements in and around the area.
Not that I would be 100 per cent for the job anyways but to be ruled out by such a small margin is a bit of a sickener. I can understand Shorthand skills being essential but such an abrupt line has to be considered a bit naive in ignoring all the other skills candidates could bring to the role.
Oh well, I'll keep working at Asda and applying for journalism jobs as I see them or I may just think sod it and apply anyways! I wouldn't be the first or last to "not disclose the whole truth" on an application form.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
MIA : Born Free
Musicians do controversial things all the time and "offensive" themes and lyrics can be heard/seen around a lot these days.
The latest addition is M.I.A (each letter is said M I A not MIA) with her song and video "Born Free." - you may remember one of her popular hits : "Paper Planes".
You can read (if you trust wikipedia) all about her or visit the official site www.miauk.com as background of her past themes are crucial before you informed comment can be made.
Basically in the newest offering, armed thugs round up a group of redheaded guys and board them onto a bus to a death camp. It is pretty explicit, the boys are beaten, shot and blown up with landmines it features nudity so definitely has shock value.
The nine minute long video, directed by French director Romain Gavras, has been given an 18 plus rating on YouTube and created quite the perfect media storm - I first heard about it on Channel 5's Wright Stuff .
Before everyone jumps on the bandwagon with all the "It's too graphic, brutal and horrific" comments and puts their hand to their hands while falling over, let's examine a few key issues here.
As Shira Lazer, on CBS news website, says:
Ian Hamrick, the "star" has defended the video but I can't quite make up my mind.
Anna Pickard on the Guardian website hits the pros and cons quite spot on.
Music is all about expression and creativity so overall I I believe the artist should be entitled to produce such a product, however without getting to grips in depth with all the political connotations raised I will sit firmly on the fence on whether this type of thing should become more regular in the search to clock up more "hits".
If you want to watch it, go for it. If you don't it is avoidable.
The latest addition is M.I.A (each letter is said M I A not MIA) with her song and video "Born Free." - you may remember one of her popular hits : "Paper Planes".
You can read (if you trust wikipedia) all about her or visit the official site www.miauk.com as background of her past themes are crucial before you informed comment can be made.
Basically in the newest offering, armed thugs round up a group of redheaded guys and board them onto a bus to a death camp. It is pretty explicit, the boys are beaten, shot and blown up with landmines it features nudity so definitely has shock value.
The nine minute long video, directed by French director Romain Gavras, has been given an 18 plus rating on YouTube and created quite the perfect media storm - I first heard about it on Channel 5's Wright Stuff .
Before everyone jumps on the bandwagon with all the "It's too graphic, brutal and horrific" comments and puts their hand to their hands while falling over, let's examine a few key issues here.
As Shira Lazer, on CBS news website, says:
While this video is clearly not appropriate for all ages, it's themes have driven a real conversation. The fact is, somewhere in the world there are acts of violence like those in the video happening right now.
Ian Hamrick, the "star" has defended the video but I can't quite make up my mind.
Anna Pickard on the Guardian website hits the pros and cons quite spot on.
Is it trying to raise a serious point and send out a serious message?- I think yes. But has it also got more explicit violence scenes than were needed to make a point?- I think yes....the relative shock of seeing one ethnic group rather than another rounded up and treated as little more than vermin... to this... seems to pack random "shocking" images into the film, for no apparent reason...
Music is all about expression and creativity so overall I I believe the artist should be entitled to produce such a product, however without getting to grips in depth with all the political connotations raised I will sit firmly on the fence on whether this type of thing should become more regular in the search to clock up more "hits".
If you want to watch it, go for it. If you don't it is avoidable.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Howzat?!
The job search is progressing slower than I want with only an odd e-mail every now and again, either saying I have got to the next stage or been rejected :(
I have decided to fill my spare time by going to the gym again and watching a bit of live cricket.
My first time at Old Trafford for a long time was to see the County Championship opener for Lancashire V Warwickshire.
Two glorious days of sunshine, £15 entry and sausage and chips + ice cream. Can't beat it!
Also had time to wander down the road to the Old Trafford which I had never seen before.
I have decided to fill my spare time by going to the gym again and watching a bit of live cricket.
My first time at Old Trafford for a long time was to see the County Championship opener for Lancashire V Warwickshire.
Two glorious days of sunshine, £15 entry and sausage and chips + ice cream. Can't beat it!
Also had time to wander down the road to the Old Trafford which I had never seen before.
I could only go for the first two days due to work commitments, at least I have a job I suppose, but that was enough to ensure I will be going to more this season - weather and work permitting.
Best news of all is the Red Rose County won by 121 runs.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Every cloud has a silver lining...even an ash one
Mother Nature has thrown many people into absolute chaos with people stuck everywhere around the globe because of an ash clound grinding airports across the world to a halt.
I was an observer up until a short time ag0 - feeling sorry for all the people caught up in this - but also quietly chuckling in the corner that I wasn't involved.
Well, no more. Hardly the worst crisis but a band I was going to see Tue 27 April have been forced to delay their tour because of this cloud which has now turned from low down the list of my attention to quite high, especially as I have already got my ticket!
Thankfully it has been re-arranged as a short time ago, said band, announced they were splitting up.
Powderfinger are an Australian band and I didn't see them live while over there but became quite hooked on their music so am definetly looking towards seeing them live, especially as it will now be the last time they play over here.
Or will it? Probably but of course people are cynical in this day and age and believe they will be back.
On a final note let's hope this ash cloud business goes away and in the long run the damage is minimal :)
I was an observer up until a short time ag0 - feeling sorry for all the people caught up in this - but also quietly chuckling in the corner that I wasn't involved.
Well, no more. Hardly the worst crisis but a band I was going to see Tue 27 April have been forced to delay their tour because of this cloud which has now turned from low down the list of my attention to quite high, especially as I have already got my ticket!
Thankfully it has been re-arranged as a short time ago, said band, announced they were splitting up.
Powderfinger are an Australian band and I didn't see them live while over there but became quite hooked on their music so am definetly looking towards seeing them live, especially as it will now be the last time they play over here.
Or will it? Probably but of course people are cynical in this day and age and believe they will be back.
On a final note let's hope this ash cloud business goes away and in the long run the damage is minimal :)
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
R.I.P Sgt Van Gorp
I was just browsing the Journal and Leader sites as I do to catch up with the local Aussie news, as I still take an interest after working there for around eight months, when I came across this shocking news.
Tony Van Gorp, a police officer for 30 years, killed himself after resigning with a possible threat of being fired and shot himself while cleaning out his desk. It was later known he was under investigation over "a number of issues".
You can read more into the story and the content of the e-mails from the Daily Mail here. This blogger doesn't want to dwell on the content of the e-mails.
There is a blog from Derryn Hinch on 3AW radio station which suggests some interesting differences on the "e-mail porn scandal" and a VicRoads recording.
I remember speaking to Sgt Van Gorp a number of times when calling Healesville police station as part of "police rounds" checking if anything had gone on in the area.
Some times it had and some times it hadn't but he always found the time to talk to me and quickly realised I was a pom!
I never met him face to face but from what I have read and was told before he seemed to always be willing to help anyone.
It is horrible to hear that he has taken his life, whatever happened, if Derryn Hinch is right or not with his thoughts on the above blog.
His funeral was held today and my condolences are with his family and friends.
Tony Van Gorp, a police officer for 30 years, killed himself after resigning with a possible threat of being fired and shot himself while cleaning out his desk. It was later known he was under investigation over "a number of issues".
You can read more into the story and the content of the e-mails from the Daily Mail here. This blogger doesn't want to dwell on the content of the e-mails.
There is a blog from Derryn Hinch on 3AW radio station which suggests some interesting differences on the "e-mail porn scandal" and a VicRoads recording.
I remember speaking to Sgt Van Gorp a number of times when calling Healesville police station as part of "police rounds" checking if anything had gone on in the area.
Some times it had and some times it hadn't but he always found the time to talk to me and quickly realised I was a pom!
I never met him face to face but from what I have read and was told before he seemed to always be willing to help anyone.
It is horrible to hear that he has taken his life, whatever happened, if Derryn Hinch is right or not with his thoughts on the above blog.
His funeral was held today and my condolences are with his family and friends.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Going down, down deeper and down
As this blog is largely anonymous, although I am sure it wouldn't take Sherlock Holmes to figure out who I am, I feel it is a safety net and a cocoon to confess things which I otherwise may not have done.
I am quite sure I will regret posting this at some point and this isn't easy.
Don't worry it's nothing to serious but I have recently read this : All the same ingredients as me, a journalist - which I am trying to be, and depression - which I am fairly sure I have...
It is good that something like that appeared in Press Gazette - at least highlighting the condition. But I can't help getting annoyed at myself as I shouldn't feel the way I do the majority of the time but "just the way it is."
No reason though. I am young, healthy-ish, stable family and background, financially secure, albeit due to parents etc etc. Yet I cannot motivate myself sometimes which is particularly a roadblock when looking for a job and question the point of it all constantly.
This had me nodding all the way through it, especially some of the comments at the bottom but also makes me question, when there seems to be so many people that have battled through and are still fighting, is it all worth it in the end?
For me, I find some sort of solace in drinking beer and occasionally and recently smoking. I am not talking drinking 20 bottles here or smoking 20 fags a night.
I mean, most times, four bottles of beer a night - sometimes less than a couple of days a week, other times nearly everyday. The smoking is usually one night, mostly but not always coupled with the beers - maximum has been three fags I think.
I am also a big music fan. I wish I could attend more gigs and had gone to more concerts during my college/uni days. I find lyrics so important when I feel overcome, that I have started writing them down and making them into songs - without a melody at the moment. Seems to help.
Maybe the next step is medication and doctors but for now I am trying to force it away with sheer willpower which sometimes works but sometimes doesn't. Fingers crossed.
I am quite sure I will regret posting this at some point and this isn't easy.
Don't worry it's nothing to serious but I have recently read this : All the same ingredients as me, a journalist - which I am trying to be, and depression - which I am fairly sure I have...
It is good that something like that appeared in Press Gazette - at least highlighting the condition. But I can't help getting annoyed at myself as I shouldn't feel the way I do the majority of the time but "just the way it is."
No reason though. I am young, healthy-ish, stable family and background, financially secure, albeit due to parents etc etc. Yet I cannot motivate myself sometimes which is particularly a roadblock when looking for a job and question the point of it all constantly.
This had me nodding all the way through it, especially some of the comments at the bottom but also makes me question, when there seems to be so many people that have battled through and are still fighting, is it all worth it in the end?
For me, I find some sort of solace in drinking beer and occasionally and recently smoking. I am not talking drinking 20 bottles here or smoking 20 fags a night.
I mean, most times, four bottles of beer a night - sometimes less than a couple of days a week, other times nearly everyday. The smoking is usually one night, mostly but not always coupled with the beers - maximum has been three fags I think.
I am also a big music fan. I wish I could attend more gigs and had gone to more concerts during my college/uni days. I find lyrics so important when I feel overcome, that I have started writing them down and making them into songs - without a melody at the moment. Seems to help.
Maybe the next step is medication and doctors but for now I am trying to force it away with sheer willpower which sometimes works but sometimes doesn't. Fingers crossed.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Communication is all face. Facebook, not face-to-face
Well, it could have been worse for the town I currently live in. But not by much.
According to findings published in today's Mirror my home town is in the top 10 of Facebook users but it is not top - that honour/shame goes to Sunderland.
This story, highlighted on Channel 5's The Wright Stuff, means I might consider a move to Kilmarnock or Motherwell as they had the fewest users.
Not exactly sure how this was judged - I know a few of my friends on Facebook who are pretty much dormant despite having profiles and each city/town has different numbers of people so was that facted in and how?
There is an argument for Facebook being used in a productive way but the majority (me included) use it as something to pass a bit off time now and then and (for some reason) I feel the need to share what I am up to with a possible 23 million users across the country and more worldwide.
It is useful for me to keep in touch with university friends and especially people I meet while in Australia but it brings a slight feeling of shame to me to know that my home town is up near the top on using Facebook - maybe we should concentrate on real things outdoors before sorting out our online image?
According to findings published in today's Mirror my home town is in the top 10 of Facebook users but it is not top - that honour/shame goes to Sunderland.
This story, highlighted on Channel 5's The Wright Stuff, means I might consider a move to Kilmarnock or Motherwell as they had the fewest users.
Not exactly sure how this was judged - I know a few of my friends on Facebook who are pretty much dormant despite having profiles and each city/town has different numbers of people so was that facted in and how?
There is an argument for Facebook being used in a productive way but the majority (me included) use it as something to pass a bit off time now and then and (for some reason) I feel the need to share what I am up to with a possible 23 million users across the country and more worldwide.
It is useful for me to keep in touch with university friends and especially people I meet while in Australia but it brings a slight feeling of shame to me to know that my home town is up near the top on using Facebook - maybe we should concentrate on real things outdoors before sorting out our online image?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Scanning for signs of life
I have been against body scanners since I first heard about them although I have not been through one just yet.
However, today highlights the news that they may be unlawful from the Equality and Human Rights Commission under the Human Rights Act.
I missed the story that concerns were actually raised about a month ago and I have to admit (before I saw this) I was very surprised more people weren't against full body scanners that leave you "naked."
Passengers who refuse to submit to a scan will be barred from their flights and I know it is mostly a security issue after the attempted plane bomb over the holiday period but these things were rushed through so fast I am as dubious about them as most people.
It is a tough issue because on one hand, of course we want to do everything to stop potential terrorists and "if we have nothing to hide" and so on. But on the other measures like this have got to mean terrorists are winning the mental battle as our privacy in this democracy is being massively invaded in the hope of deterring potential attacks.
Even putting aside all the privacy uproar would these things even work - apparently not from the Independent, any health risks from these sounds and the cost?
I'm not sure who officials are trying to kid when they say people are chosen at random but come on? I mean who is more likely to be chosen - a middle-aged white man with a wife and kids or a teenage black man? You do the maths - another reason why I don't like these scanners. We certainly haven't heard the last of this because as soon as more younger people are targeted, of those of specific minorities it could be blown out of proportion from the media.
This morning watching the Wright Stuff on Channel 5 actor Jonny Freeman made a sound point saying that even if the terrorist threat disappears completely, it would be highly unlikely the scanners would be removed and I agree.
On a lighter note, watching Mock the Week recently Andy Parsons joked it was only a matter of time before groups such as stag do's etc start have a laugh by going through the scanners and it is true they can be abused and mates "set-up", however unlikely.
Manchester Airport, Terminal Two already has one and Terminal One and Three will have soon so well just have to wait and see what happens with this but I stand against them.
Our privacy has been invaded day in and day out from CCTV and now a "naked" body scan - think I'll pass, hold on I can't or else you won't let me fly? Great, very British...
However, today highlights the news that they may be unlawful from the Equality and Human Rights Commission under the Human Rights Act.
I missed the story that concerns were actually raised about a month ago and I have to admit (before I saw this) I was very surprised more people weren't against full body scanners that leave you "naked."
Passengers who refuse to submit to a scan will be barred from their flights and I know it is mostly a security issue after the attempted plane bomb over the holiday period but these things were rushed through so fast I am as dubious about them as most people.
It is a tough issue because on one hand, of course we want to do everything to stop potential terrorists and "if we have nothing to hide" and so on. But on the other measures like this have got to mean terrorists are winning the mental battle as our privacy in this democracy is being massively invaded in the hope of deterring potential attacks.
Even putting aside all the privacy uproar would these things even work - apparently not from the Independent, any health risks from these sounds and the cost?
If a material is low density, such as powder, liquid or thin plastic – as well as the passenger's clothing – the millimetre waves pass through and the object is not shown on screen
I'm not sure who officials are trying to kid when they say people are chosen at random but come on? I mean who is more likely to be chosen - a middle-aged white man with a wife and kids or a teenage black man? You do the maths - another reason why I don't like these scanners. We certainly haven't heard the last of this because as soon as more younger people are targeted, of those of specific minorities it could be blown out of proportion from the media.
This morning watching the Wright Stuff on Channel 5 actor Jonny Freeman made a sound point saying that even if the terrorist threat disappears completely, it would be highly unlikely the scanners would be removed and I agree.
On a lighter note, watching Mock the Week recently Andy Parsons joked it was only a matter of time before groups such as stag do's etc start have a laugh by going through the scanners and it is true they can be abused and mates "set-up", however unlikely.
Manchester Airport, Terminal Two already has one and Terminal One and Three will have soon so well just have to wait and see what happens with this but I stand against them.
Our privacy has been invaded day in and day out from CCTV and now a "naked" body scan - think I'll pass, hold on I can't or else you won't let me fly? Great, very British...
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
And it's all going down the drain
The link between Guardian Media and Manchester is to be condemned to history, it seems.
What waits ahead for staff at the Manchester Evening News and 21 other titles in the north-west? Who knows but I would guess it won't be the creation of too many jobs.
The good news is Channel M, Sky digital channel 203, and newspapers in Woking are not included in the £44.8m deal expected to be completed by the end of March.
I am a sentimental old soul which is why I see this as bad but realistically GMG are apparently losing too much so this does make sense.
Guess us north-west based journalism job hunters have to hope Trinity Mirror can do a decent job as they aren't too many places going at the moment even at the bottom of the ladder.
What waits ahead for staff at the Manchester Evening News and 21 other titles in the north-west? Who knows but I would guess it won't be the creation of too many jobs.
The good news is Channel M, Sky digital channel 203, and newspapers in Woking are not included in the £44.8m deal expected to be completed by the end of March.
I am a sentimental old soul which is why I see this as bad but realistically GMG are apparently losing too much so this does make sense.
Guess us north-west based journalism job hunters have to hope Trinity Mirror can do a decent job as they aren't too many places going at the moment even at the bottom of the ladder.
Friday, February 05, 2010
One WHOLE year
Yes, that is right it has been one WHOLE year since me and my grandad first boarded the plane to fly to Melbourne, via Dubai.
The plane had to defrost its wings at 8:10pm but arrived to 40-0dd degree heat on what will forever be known as Black Saturday in Melbourne on February 7.
I remember me and my grandad arriving at 06:35 from Dubai and we were both jetlegged (obviously!) but even at that time could feel the heat and were aware of "some bushfires".
I unpacked a bit of my stuff went outside and the breath was taken away by the heat so early in the morning - not used to it being English!
After a sleep the rest of the day was spent acclimatising and growing ever increasingly aware of how horrific the bushfires were actually turning out to be.
I know I will never forget that time and working for Fairfax, whilst not having too much of an active role during the actual fires, I was heavily involved in the reporting of the aftermath right until I left in September.
The anniversary was marked by services for the 173 that died and for all the survivors, some who lost everything others who, I am guessing, are still haunted by what happened but hopefully the rebuilding and the Royal Commission's findings can do some good to prevent any bushfires being this bad ever again.
The plane had to defrost its wings at 8:10pm but arrived to 40-0dd degree heat on what will forever be known as Black Saturday in Melbourne on February 7.
I remember me and my grandad arriving at 06:35 from Dubai and we were both jetlegged (obviously!) but even at that time could feel the heat and were aware of "some bushfires".
I unpacked a bit of my stuff went outside and the breath was taken away by the heat so early in the morning - not used to it being English!
After a sleep the rest of the day was spent acclimatising and growing ever increasingly aware of how horrific the bushfires were actually turning out to be.
I know I will never forget that time and working for Fairfax, whilst not having too much of an active role during the actual fires, I was heavily involved in the reporting of the aftermath right until I left in September.
The anniversary was marked by services for the 173 that died and for all the survivors, some who lost everything others who, I am guessing, are still haunted by what happened but hopefully the rebuilding and the Royal Commission's findings can do some good to prevent any bushfires being this bad ever again.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Pyjama drama
I feel I have at least some inside knowledge of this having worked at Sainsbury's and Asda for a while.
But a Tesco store in Cardiff has banned shoppers from coming in doing the groceries while wearing pyjama's
This bascially started because Elaine Carmody was turned away from the store after she went in her pyjama's only wanting to "buy a pack a fags."
Quote of the day from her is: "I've got lovely pairs of pyjamas, with bears and penguins on them. I've worn my best ones today, just so I look tidy." Genius.
Of course, it is ironic that Tesco was the first to breach its own ban! Even if it was only a advert a few years ago.
I am not a fan of The Sun but you have to say they have some crazy ideas - check this out to see if their reporters got stopped from going in Tesco or not. I always see kids being carried on shoulders and banning that is going too far - elf and safety is just going way to far.
I can understand the bare feet ban as that is a little weird...
I have seen people dressed in all sorts of things while at Sainsbury's and Asda and am not aware of any dress codes they have - if they do some have slipped through the net!
In the end this is stupid isn't it? No harm in going shopping in jim-jams even if it may be a little weird. People who get "offended" need to stop moaning - if you don't like it just look away or ague said person it's not like they are hounding you to wear your best PJ's as well ;)
But a Tesco store in Cardiff has banned shoppers from coming in doing the groceries while wearing pyjama's
This bascially started because Elaine Carmody was turned away from the store after she went in her pyjama's only wanting to "buy a pack a fags."
Quote of the day from her is: "I've got lovely pairs of pyjamas, with bears and penguins on them. I've worn my best ones today, just so I look tidy." Genius.
Of course, it is ironic that Tesco was the first to breach its own ban! Even if it was only a advert a few years ago.
I am not a fan of The Sun but you have to say they have some crazy ideas - check this out to see if their reporters got stopped from going in Tesco or not. I always see kids being carried on shoulders and banning that is going too far - elf and safety is just going way to far.
I can understand the bare feet ban as that is a little weird...
I have seen people dressed in all sorts of things while at Sainsbury's and Asda and am not aware of any dress codes they have - if they do some have slipped through the net!
In the end this is stupid isn't it? No harm in going shopping in jim-jams even if it may be a little weird. People who get "offended" need to stop moaning - if you don't like it just look away or ague said person it's not like they are hounding you to wear your best PJ's as well ;)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Steve Penk
I blogged quite a while ago now about how I didn't warm to the idea of Steve Penk taking over my local commercial radio station and, albeit a long way down the line, he has well and truely put his foot in it as Wednesday's whinge by Paul Taylor at the MEN says.
This has made national news, actually international news from The Age and Herald Sun newspapers in Melbourne. In fact, researching this post has made me discover it has made news all over, from Australia to the US.
In summary, Mr "controversial" Penk played Van Halen's song "Jump" as a woman threatened to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge while police tried to stop her.
He said the song was played as a request from a driver stuck in traffic on the M60 and was thankful she wasn't seriously hurt but didn't regret playing it.
We can argue all day about whether he was right or not to do it, personally I thing wrong, but bottom line is it's publicity and that's what he's all about. He owns a commercial radio station and the interest in this story will get interest in the station...see where I'm going here?
I don't like the guy and didn't like the few prank calls I heard him make but that's the sense of humour he has and it if works then good for him and I wish him all the best but I certainly won't be tuning in to see how he goes but I am not against listening to the rest of the station's output.
On another note I am, barring death or the millennium bug striking in 2010 hoping to post more than last year as well which was my slowest recorded year for posting so far...ooppsy.
This has made national news, actually international news from The Age and Herald Sun newspapers in Melbourne. In fact, researching this post has made me discover it has made news all over, from Australia to the US.
In summary, Mr "controversial" Penk played Van Halen's song "Jump" as a woman threatened to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge while police tried to stop her.
He said the song was played as a request from a driver stuck in traffic on the M60 and was thankful she wasn't seriously hurt but didn't regret playing it.
We can argue all day about whether he was right or not to do it, personally I thing wrong, but bottom line is it's publicity and that's what he's all about. He owns a commercial radio station and the interest in this story will get interest in the station...see where I'm going here?
I don't like the guy and didn't like the few prank calls I heard him make but that's the sense of humour he has and it if works then good for him and I wish him all the best but I certainly won't be tuning in to see how he goes but I am not against listening to the rest of the station's output.
On another note I am, barring death or the millennium bug striking in 2010 hoping to post more than last year as well which was my slowest recorded year for posting so far...ooppsy.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Sport and Music
Just for my records more I am listing all the sport stadiums and gigs I have been to to look back on with fondness. I hope to keep updating this as more get added to the list. Football stadiums
Sometime in 2005 - Subways @ Manchester Academy
While At Uni @ 53 degrees- Editors, Mew, Twang
April 4 2009 V Festival, Melbourne - The Killers, Snow Patrol, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Duffy, Elbow, Madness.
While in Australia - 2 April Dirt River Radio @purepop records, 8 May Juke Cartel @espy, 16 September Grinspoon @ Corner Hotel
March 16 2010 Editors @ Manchester Apollo
April 27 2010 Powderfinger and Bob Evans @ Manchester Academy
October 10 2010 Korn, Rise to Remain and Turbowolf @ Manchester Apollo
February 16 2011 Grinspoon @ Manchester Academy
February 20 2011 Cold War Kids @ Manchester Academy
March 4 2011 Wombats @ Manchester Academy
- Anfield - Watching Liverpool a few times
- Valerie Park - Prescot Cables V Guiseley 29 Sept 2007
- Nethermoor Park - Guisley V Leek Town 2008 late season
- Highbury Stadium - Fleetwood V Guiseley
- Ewood Park - Working for Match Recruitment
- Deepdale - Working for Match Recruitment / While at Uni
- Nou Camp - Watching Barcelona V Parma friendly on holiday
- Goodison Park - watching Everton V Oldham FA Cup
- Boundary Park - Watching Oldham Athletic
- Etihad Stadium - Melbourne Victory Feb 2009
Other Sport
- Old Trafford Lancashire County Cricket Club
- Headingley England V South Africa
- MCG Watching Richmond AFL
- WACA, Perth tour
- Formula 1 practice Australian 2009 Grand Prix, Albert Park
- Greek 2004 Olympic stadium in 2011
- Outside Olympiakos ground in Greece
Sometime in 2005 - Subways @ Manchester Academy
While At Uni @ 53 degrees- Editors, Mew, Twang
April 4 2009 V Festival, Melbourne - The Killers, Snow Patrol, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Duffy, Elbow, Madness.
While in Australia - 2 April Dirt River Radio @purepop records, 8 May Juke Cartel @espy, 16 September Grinspoon @ Corner Hotel
March 16 2010 Editors @ Manchester Apollo
April 27 2010 Powderfinger and Bob Evans @ Manchester Academy
October 10 2010 Korn, Rise to Remain and Turbowolf @ Manchester Apollo
February 16 2011 Grinspoon @ Manchester Academy
February 20 2011 Cold War Kids @ Manchester Academy
March 4 2011 Wombats @ Manchester Academy
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